Sally’s Stitched Cookies: Inspired by the Nightmare Before Christmas
Step into the whimsical and slightly spooky world of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” with our enchanting Sally’s Stitched Cookies.
More delicious and spooky Halloween recipes: Graveyard Frosting Board, Candy Corn Jello Cups, Candy Corn Cheesecakes, and a Skull Charcuterie Board.
These delightful treats pay tribute to the beloved character Sally and are sure to capture your imagination and taste buds alike. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for a fun and creative baking project, these cookies are the perfect way to add a touch of magic to your kitchen.
Create these patchwork-inspired Sally’s Stitched cookies that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Sally’s Stitched Cookies
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
There are two enchanting reasons why you’ll fall in love with our Sally Cookies. First and foremost, they allow you to step into the world of one of the most iconic and beloved characters in Halloween and Christmas lore. If you’re a fan of “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” these cookies are a delicious homage to the film, making them a perfect treat for movie nights or themed parties.
Secondly, these cookies are not just visually appealing; they’re also incredibly tasty. The buttery sugar cookie base has a soft, tender bite, and the addition of tinted food coloring gives them a whimsical and vibrant appearance. Decorating them with chocolate stitches adds a delightful layer of flavor and texture. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or as a gift, these Sally Cookies are bound to enchant anyone who sets eyes on them.
How to Make Sally’s Stitched Cookies:
Creating Sally Cookies is a whimsical adventure that allows you to let your creativity shine. Here’s a simplified version of the instructions without specific measurements or cooking times:
Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper and set them aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together softened butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla:
Mix in one egg and vanilla extract, ensuring they are well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Incorporate Flour:
Add all of the flour to the mixture and switch out the whisk attachment for the paddle attachment on your mixer. Mix on low speed until all the flour is combined, and the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Tint the Dough:
Divide the cookie dough equally between three small bowls. Tint each portion with food coloring of your choice. Start with a small amount and knead until the color is smooth and cohesive.
Create Colorful Balls:
Pinch a small amount of dough from each color and gently press them together to form a ball about the size of a golf ball. Flatten each ball to about ⅜ of an inch thick and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat this process until all the dough is used.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven until the edges are set and very slightly starting to brown. Be cautious not to overbake; you want them to have a soft bite. Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.
Decorate with Chocolate Stitches:
When you’re ready to decorate, melt chocolate and transfer it to a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a small hole cut in the tip. Trace the seams of the different colors on the cookies and criss-cross the lines to create the appearance of stitches.
Allow Chocolate to Set:
Let the chocolate cool and solidify before serving and enjoying your delightful Sally Cookies.
Variations for the Recipe:
While our Sally’s Stitched Cookies are already a delightful tribute to the character, you can add your creative twist:
- Flavorful Additions: Experiment with different flavors by adding extracts or spices to the cookie dough. For example, a touch of cinnamon or almond extract can add a unique taste.
- Custom Colors: Get creative with the colors you use for tinting the dough. Consider pastel hues for a softer look or go bold with vibrant shades.
- Different Designs: Instead of traditional stitches, try creating other designs inspired by Sally’s patchwork dress, like hearts, stars, or swirls.
Sally’s Stitched Cookies
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 c unsalted butter softened
- 1 c sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 t vanilla
- 3 c flour
- Tinted food coloring – dark yellow, lilac purple, turquoise blue
- Melted chocolate to decorate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prep your baking sheets by lining with parchment paper – set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar.
- Add in the egg and vanilla. Combine well – scraping the sides and mixing again.
- Add in all of the flour and switch out the whisk attachment on the mixer for the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until all the flour is combined and the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.
- Divide the dough equally between three small bowls. Tint with food coloring – starting with just a little and adding more if needed. Knead until smooth and cohesive in color.
- Pinch a small about from each color and gently press together to form a ball about the size of a golf ball and then flatten to about ⅜ of an inch thick. Place on prepared baking sheets and repeat until the dough is gone.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes. The edges should be set and very slightly starting to brown. It does not take much to overbake these at which point, they will be hard and dry. We want them just right with a soft bite! Allow to cool completely before decorating.
- When ready to decorate, melt the chocolate and transfer to a piping bag or ziploc. Cut a small hole in the tip. Trace the seams of the colors and criss-cross the lines to look like stitches.
- Allow the chocolate to cool and solidify. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
* We used powder food coloring, specifically Sugar Art, which is available online. You could also use gel or liquid and tint the buttercream however you see fit.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: You can store Sally Cookies in an airtight container for up to three days, keeping them fresh and ready to enjoy. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months, making them a convenient make-ahead treat for special occasions.
To make ahead, prepare and bake the cookies as directed, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply allow them to thaw at room temperature and then decorate with the chocolate stitches.
Common Questions about Sally’s Stitched Cookies:
- Where can I find powder food coloring like Sugar Art? Powder food coloring, including brands like Sugar Art, is readily available online and in specialty baking supply stores. If you don’t have powder food coloring, you can use gel or liquid food coloring and adjust the quantity to achieve the desired shades.
- Can I use other types of decorations besides chocolate stitches? Absolutely! You can get creative with decorations. Consider using colored icing, edible glitter, or even edible markers to add details to your Sally Cookies.
- Can I make these cookies without a stand mixer? Yes, you can make the cookie dough with a hand mixer or even by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon. It might take a bit more effort, but the results will be equally delicious.
Sally Stitched Cookies are a delightful blend of artistry and flavor that pay homage to a beloved character from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Whether you’re a fan of the film or simply looking for a fun and creative baking project, these cookies are sure to enchant your senses and add a touch of whimsy to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, let your imagination run wild, and create these delightful treats that capture the essence of Sally’s charm.
More delicious Halloween Recipes to try:
- Frankenstein Monster Cupcakes
- Zombie Cake Mix Cookies
- Pumpkin Mousse Cups
- Halloween Dirt Cups
- Halloween Donuts
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